How do you Screen Print at Home?
The first step in screen printing is transferring an image onto a screen. Most screen printing tutorials will recommend using a lightbox to expose the screen. A 150-watt lightbulb works best. Make sure to read the emulsion jar to know how long you need to expose the screen and how far you need to stand away from the light source.
Using a mesh screen
You can use a mesh screen to screen print at home for a variety of designs. Mesh screens are flexible and are available in different mesh counts, ranging from 110 to 160. The lower mesh count is great for small logos and simple text. A higher mesh count is better for detailed images and prints on dark fabrics.
Using a mesh screen at home for screen printing requires a few simple steps. First, the printer must choose the right type of mesh for the project. Ideally, the mesh should match the texture of the item being printed. After selecting the mesh, the printer coats it with light-reactive emulsion. This helps the mesh harden under a bright light.
Next, you should choose an ink. You can use water-based or plastisol inks. Water-based inks are best for beginners as they do not dry up in the screen mesh. Water-based inks should be purchased from a hobby craft shop. Make sure to mix the water-based ink with your printing medium so that it does not dry on the mesh. This way, you can control the density of the ink.
Next, you need to prepare the silk screen printing. First, wrap it in duct tape. This is essential to prevent ink from seeping through the diy screen. If you want to buy printing products you may visit at Cliff Digital. Moreover, make sure to cover all crevices and corners. Also, it is a good idea to overlap the edges of the screen.
Once you’re ready to start screen printing, use a photo emulsion. Mix the emulsion according to the directions. You can also use a squeegee to spread the emulsion evenly on both sides of the screen printing kit. Once you’ve done that, hold the screen up to a light to check for coverage and smoothness.
The next step in screen printing is to prepare a mesh screen and stencil. You can print on fabric with the mesh screen, but it’s better to use a stencil to create a pattern. You can also use a squeegee to apply ink to the mesh screen.
Using plastisol ink
Plastisol ink is one of the most popular inks used in the garment printing industry. The benefits of this ink include its great adhesion to most textiles and ease of use. Plastisol is a mixture of PVC resin and a plasticizer that dries fast. This makes it perfect for printing on dark garments. However, there are some important considerations when buying ink for screen printing at home.
When screen printing with plastisol ink, it is important to do a stretch test. The print should be stretched about two-thirds of the way. If it begins to retract and crack, it is not cured enough. In some cases, the print will need to be washed several times to reach the desired curing temperature.
Another benefit of plastisol ink is its compatibility with different substrates. The ink can be used on different materials, including T-shirts, jeans, and hoodies. Because it doesn’t dye the shirt, it can be used on a variety of garment materials. In addition, plastisol inks are easy to work with and can be left on the screen for several hundred washes.
When choosing the right Plastisol ink for screen printing, it is essential to consider color, opacity, and adhesion. These three factors will determine the success of your project. In the end, water-based inks are the best choice for printing on light-colored cotton shirts, while Plastisol inks are better for darker-colored cotton shirts.
Plastisol ink is easy to remove from clothing, but can sometimes cause the fabric to peel off. To prevent this, you can use a specialty spray designed to remove the ink from fabric. This spray is safe for use on cotton, silk, and leather.
Plastisol inks are not heat-curable. You must store the ink in a temperature-controlled environment. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the ink to cure prematurely. Therefore, when you are screen printing at home, make sure you plan on keeping the image on the screen as long as possible. If you do not have a heat-curing oven, it is best to use a dip tank or a washout booth. For dark garments, it is advisable to use a white underbase.
Plastisol is a great choice for screen printing at home. It is easy to use and does not dry on the screen, unlike water-based inks. Check out the screen printing services at https://cliffdigital.com/services/screen-printing-products-and-apparel/. Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly.
Using photo emulsion
If you want to make screen prints in the privacy of your home, you can use photo emulsion. This type of screen printing material is made up of 2 main components: emulsion and sensitizers. The emulsion is applied to the screen using a squeegee. You should spread it on a larger area than the image you’d like to print, but you don’t want to apply too much. Then, you can let the emulsion dry in a completely dark room.
